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Entrepreneurs are more than those actively involved in building a business enterprise. Truth be told, an “entrepreneur” is someone who takes possession of a venture or idea and assumes responsibility for the outcome; it’s someone who takes control of his or her life and assumes responsibility for it. A “Christian entrepreneur” does that to the Glory of God.

But one of the defining characteristics of great entrepreneurs is that they have a purpose that goes beyond just making money.

“Purpose? Are you kidding me,” you might be saying. “Who has time for ‘purpose’ when I’ve got sales to make, expenses to meet, market share to increase, marketing to do, prospects to convert, social media to use, great service to give, and endless hours to spend doing it??!! Not to mention some months I’m not even profitable!! Who has time for ‘purpose’”?!!

But regardless of what you believe, great entrepreneurs ALWAYS have an underlying purpose:

Whether it be a Coca-Cola:

“To refresh the world; to inspire moments of optimism and happiness; to create value and make a difference.”

Or the early Ford:

“To democratize the automobile.”

Or a Google:

“To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

Or what about Apple? Steve Jobs was so driven by the purpose for his company he lured away John Sculley (then Pepsi CEO in 1983) with these now famous words:

“Do you want to sell sugar water for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?

Other great organizations such as Wal-Mart, the U.S. Air Force, Southwest Airlines, Charles Schwab, and BMW  are all purpose-driven. In fact John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, recently stressed the importance of companies having a core purpose.

These entrepreneurs do more than make money…they “change the world!”

What is Purpose?

I’m glad you asked! It’s defined as:

“The object toward which one strives or for which something exists.”

We’re all guided by it. Everyone one of us.

The Bible says,

“The noble-hearted man has noble purposes, and by these he will be guided.” (Isaiah 32:8 The Bible in Basic English)

Without it, we’re like children “tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine.” (Ephesians 4:14 The Amplified)

In other words, where there’s no purpose, we go everywhere and end up nowhere!

Entrepreneurs of Purpose

Entrepreneurs that have a core purpose do more and go further than their counterparts. These “Purpose-Driven entrepreneurs” (please don’t sue me Rick Warren)  know who they are and where they’re going. They’re internally driven.

But let me ask you: how important is purpose to you? Do you have one?

What are your thoughts?

Rod’s Recommended Video: What’s Your Entrepreneurial Purpose in Life?

Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes is the author of I Shall Raise Thee Up: Ancient Principles for Lasting Greatness. He’s also a blogger that writes on business and leadership development from a Biblical perspective. When he’s not writing blogs or speaking he can be found writing bios in the third person. Check out his website/blog here. Mike is also working on his second book: “Biblical Stratgies for Marketing Success.”

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